The following article comes from Seda Yaman, English Teacher and Teacher Trainer in Turkey.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” says Henry B. Adams. Does the teacher’s mission end when the school term is over? Does the teacher’s mission end after glorious graduation? The answer to these questions is absolutely No! The influence of the good teacher extends to eternity. I am of the opinion that teaching is a profession independent of time and place. The role of the teacher is more than just a knowledge transmitter who just completes the curriculum. The teacher has the potential to leave an unforgettable mark on the student’s life. Therefore, how do we interpret the relationship between effective education and the teacher? If the teacher is the key to effective education, what is the role of this key inside and outside of the classroom? As someone who has taught English as a second language at different levels from kindergarten to high school for 9 years, I would like to discuss the teacher-student relationship and the role of the teacher in terms of effective education.
Effective education refers to a system and approach to teaching and learning that promotes meaningful and impactful outcomes for students. It goes beyond simply delivering information and focuses on fostering deep understanding, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge. Teachers play a crucial role in the education and development of individuals as facilitators of learning. Teachers create a friendly environment and provide guidance to help students acquire new knowledge and skills. As a teacher trainer, one of the most frequently asked questions by teachers in my seminars is how can I teach children new skills? Teachers are the ones who always try to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. They recognize that students have different learning styles, abilities, and needs. They adapt their teaching methods and strategies to cater to diverse learners. They do their best for individualized attention to help each student reach their full potential.
Can the teacher be pacified in this age when the channels like Youtube and TikTok have a great impact on children’s lives? For a student who spends most of his/her day at school, every action of the teacher is actually recorded by the student’s mind. Teachers often serve as mentors and role models for their students. They inspire, motivate, and guide students in their personal and academic growth. They provide support, encouragement, and advice to help students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Every age group has different emotional needs. At this point, the teacher does his best to maintain balance in the classroom and to show everyone the necessary attention. Teachers play a vital role in the social and emotional development of students. They create a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued, respected, and safe. They listen to students’ concerns, offer guidance, and foster a sense of belonging. Teachers help build a sense of community within the classroom and school by focusing on teamwork. They foster relationships with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to create a supportive learning community.
Teachers themselves are lifelong learners. They continuously update their knowledge and skills, staying abreast of advancements in their subject areas and teaching methodologies. They participate in professional development activities, collaborate with colleagues, and engage in reflective practices to enhance their teaching. Overall, teachers are instrumental in shaping the minds, attitudes, and futures of their students. They have a profound impact on their intellectual, social, and emotional development, preparing them for success in their academic and personal lives.
Teachers are instrumental in shaping the minds, attitudes, and futures of their students.
What I have listed above is actually only a part of the definition of an effective teacher. The teacher has the infinite power to make an unforgettable impact on students’ lives. So what is needed to provide the inner motivation of the teacher and make him/her a lifelong learner? Let’s discuss it in our next blog post.
